Brazil's top farmers group to open office in China

SAO PAULO (AFP) - Brazil's main farming association said on Thursday it would open a representative office in Beijing next week in a bid to boost exports to the growing Chinese consumer market and lure investment.

"By 2015, 30 million Chinese are expected to move up to the middle class, expanding significantly the local demand for food," said Senator Katia Abreu, president of the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA).

"This is an opportunity for Brazil, with its more sustainable production, to supply the market with dairy, meat and agricultural products with higher added value," added Ms Abreu in a statement.

Ms Abreu, who will lead the CNA delegation at Wednesday's inauguration, visited China in April.